Last October, Taliban militants in Pakistan's Swat Valley targeted a young education activist, Malala Yousafzai. Though she was shot in the head and neck at point-blank range, she proved not to be easily bested. She was moved to the UK for treatment and rehabilitation and was discharged from the hospital in January, stronger than ever.

I've kept tuned in to news regarding Malala and her home region of Swat, Pakistan ever since the attack last fall. But this month especially the news has been streaming in - first that she's gone back to school in the UK and signed a book deal for her memoirs (rumored at $3 million), then that she was initiating a scholarship fund for girls' education in her home town.

Most recently I learned of a documentary film in the works to celebrate her life and activism. I reached out to the Canadian filmmaker with my support (and of course a link to the song I recorded upon hearing of the attack) and he has invited me to help with the production!

Malala's story continues to inspire me and I look forward to telling the continuing saga of this courageous young girl. I also remain committed to fighting for young women around the world, for education in general, and against the policies of violence that the US is employing in Pakistan. Please check out my most recent post on the Privilege blog, my thoughts on US exceptionalism, foreign policy, and drone warfare. I dedicate these thoughts to Malala, with whom I struggle on, in peace and solidarity.

I haven't posted much the past month and a half, as I've been on the job hunt and kindling a romance with my amazing new life partner, code-name Meeko.

I'm praying for a couple job opportunities to land, but nothing is certain. And though I've not yet found a new job, I've decided to get back on the ball with my writing and music. In the past week I've written a piece regarding the gay marriage debate for the Privilege blog and another entry about selling my music - and the ideological contradictions inherent in this act - for Matt 6:24.

I'm busking again on the trains and I played for three hours Saturday at the Inwood Greenmarket. I'm getting into open mic events around the city and generally looking for more opportunities to perform. Even seeking out other musicians (again), band members to busk and perform with me. I've also got back to work on the packaging for Heliotropism.

There is some news about Word Up reopening, but it's still classified info.

Sufficed to say, I'm looking to finally have my Heliotropism album release party at Word Up in late May. On that occasion, I will be unveiling three different physical editions of the album, including all new album art, sheet music and lyrics, hand-made packaging, a whole second disc with yet-unreleased material from the Heliotropism recording sessions, and more! I'll report back with more info on this in the near future. Until then...